Rally brothers to take on ROC eliteWorld Rally Championship (WRC) brothers Petter and Henning Solberg have laid down the gauntlet to The Race of Champions competition after being announced as the newest team for the Wembley extravaganza next month.

Just eight points separate the ultra-competitive siblings, who are currently running fifth and sixth in the WRC respectively, but for The ROC Nations Cup they will be working together for national pride as Wembley Stadium is transformed into a tarmac circuit for a champion of champions decider.

The world’s best drivers, including seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, four-time Champ Car Champion Sébastien Bourdais and triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx, will be battling it out in identical machinery, competing individually and also for their countries in The ROC Nations Cup.

“Fantastic!,” said Petter, the 2003 World Rally Champion who currently drives for Subaru. “This is the first time Norway will be represented in The ROC Nations Cup and I think we will be a strong contender. I'm sure we will get the support of many Norwegian fans that will travel to Wembley.”

This will be the first time either of the Solberg brothers has raced in The Race of Champions. “It's a great honor to be invited and to represent Norway together with my brother,” said Henning, five-time Norwegian Rally Champion. “It’s going to be lots of fun.”

Having brothers in The Race of Champions is not a first. In 1998 Colin and Alister McRae both made the final, with Colin just taking the checkered flag.

“We are very happy to invite Petter and Henning to The Race of Champions and the ROC Nations Cup,” said Fredrik Johnsson, President of event organizer IMP. "This year most countries are represented by two racing drivers or one racing and one rally driver but Norway will be the exception with two very talented rally drivers known for their spectacular driving style!”

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